A NEW school for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) is set to be built in Warrington.

The town will be getting 56 school places for children and young people, from Key Stage Two to Four, with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This new free school is to be closely located to Warrington’s current special schools.

The Department for Education will be responsible for building the site, due to be completed in 2022, and consultations with the neighbouring community will begin in the autumn.

It is one of six special free schools, which have been approved to open in the north west, following the government announcement that new school places are to be created for children with special educational needs and disabilities in 35 schools across England.

The Sovereign Trust will be working in partnership with the council, parents and carers to develop the new provision.

Cllr Matt Smith, cabinet member for children’s services said: "This is a fantastic outcome for Warrington and we look forward to working with The Sovereign Trust to help enhance and extend the specialist provision we have on offer locally to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities."

Bev Owens, CEO of The Sovereign Trust added: "We are delighted to have been successful in our application to work with Warrington Borough Council and are looking forward to forging close relationships with the community.

"The Sovereign Trust is at the very forefront of special needs education.

"We are a family of schools that places children at the core of all we do.

"We look forward to sharing our expertise and developing an excellent offer for children, young people and families in Warrington."

Any parents and carers who would like more information about the school or a discussion about a possible school place should contact the EHCP assessment manager at EHCmessages@warrington.gov.uk.

For more information about The Sovereign Trust, visit thesovereigntrust.uk.